Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
EVER heard of fake sugar? Police in Kwekwe have arrested four people who were allegedly selling ‘counterfeit sugar.’
Police sources say the sugar consignment raised the heckles of the law after it was misleadingly labbeled as as products of internationally known Zimbabwean supplier Tongaat Huletts.
The quartet rode on the supplier’s good name to get premium price for their sugar. This, police said, was piracy that could bring the manufacturer’s name into disrepute, especially if the product turned out to be contaminated.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the gang thought they were sweet enough to sneak 698 bags of fake sugar into the market. But nope. The law was waiting with a bitter spoonful.
“Four suspects were arrested in Kwekwe after detectives intercepted a truck loaded with counterfeit Huletts sugar worth US$14 658.”
The sugary schemers have been named as Devine Manzisano (19), Kudzaishe Karimatsanga (18), Ashten Rwodzi (40) and Rebecca Hando (31), all from Waterfalls and Chitungwiza.
Detectives pounced after receiving a tip off that the crew was delivering fake sugar at Machingura Wholesale in Kwekwe Industrial area. When cops intercepted the white and maroon DAF CF truck, it was packed like a Christmas hamper with 698 twenty kilogramme bags of bogus sweetness.
Tongaat Huletts’ Loss Control Officer immediately confirmed the worst. The sugar was faker than a WhatsApp miracle money prophecy.
The NPAZ said, “Preliminary findings show the accused had no authority from Huletts Private Limited.”
The four were hauled before the Kwekwe Magistrates Court where they now face charges under the Trade Marks Act. Their case has been remanded to 19 December for setdown as the police continue tracing the rest of the sugar syndicate.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network behind the sticky operation.
Looks like for this sugary foursome, the only thing getting stirred now is their court docket.
